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The leader elected by the party with the most seats in a chamber. In the Senate the majority leader largely decides which bills come to the floor; in the House the majority leader schedules floor business with the Speaker.

A minimum prison term set by law for certain crimes, which a judge generally cannot go below.

Federal spending required by existing law, such as Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, that does not need yearly appropriations. Congress changes it by changing the underlying law.

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The DOT agency that supports the U.S. merchant marine, shipbuilding and ports.

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In Bills:H.R. 3838

A committee meeting where members debate, amend and vote on a bill's text, and decide whether to report it to the full chamber.

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The Justice Department agency that protects federal courts and judges, catches fugitives, transports federal prisoners and runs the witness protection program.

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The health coverage program for people with low incomes and some people with disabilities, run by the states and paid for jointly by the states and the federal government.

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In Bills:H.R. 498S. 2882

The federal health insurance program for people 65 and older and for some younger people with disabilities or end-stage kidney disease.

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In Bills:H.R. 227S.J.Res. 198

Private health plans approved by Medicare that cover hospital and doctor services, and usually prescription drugs, in place of traditional Medicare.

The part of Medicare that covers outpatient prescription drugs through private plans.

The independent agency that hears appeals from federal employees on firings and other personnel actions and protects the merit-based civil service.

A general election held halfway through a president's four-year term, when all House seats and about a third of Senate seats are on the ballot. The next one is on November 3, 2026.

A federal foreign aid agency that gives large grants to developing countries that meet standards for good governance and economic policy.

The Labor Department agency that enforces safety and health standards in the nation's mines.

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The leader elected by the party with fewer seats in a chamber, who speaks for that party and leads its strategy.

A less serious crime. Under federal law it is one punishable by a year or less in jail.

A motion to send a measure to a committee. In the Senate a motion to commit with instructions is often used to propose changes, for example during debate on a reconciliation bill.

A motion to accept the other chamber's amendment to a bill. Once both chambers agree to the same text, the bill can go to the president.

A motion to take a measure away from a committee that has not acted on it so the full chamber can consider it. In the Senate it is used under fast-track laws, such as those for disapproving arms sales or agency rules.

A Senate motion to take up a bill or other measure for debate. It can itself be filibustered, so the Senate often needs a cloture vote just to begin debate.

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A House motion, usually offered by the minority just before the vote on passage, to send a bill back to committee. Since 2021 it cannot carry instructions to amend the bill, so adopting it simply returns the bill to committee.

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A motion to vote again on a question already decided. It is usually tabled right away, which makes the outcome final.

A motion to set aside a pending question without a direct vote on it. It cannot be debated, and agreeing to it usually kills the question.

A Senate motion to set aside a budget rule, such as a budget point of order, so a bill or amendment can go forward. Most waivers take 60 votes.